Functions of male reproductive system MCQs With Answer — This concise, SEO-focused introduction helps B. Pharm students master core concepts of the male reproductive system, including anatomy, spermatogenesis, hormonal regulation, accessory gland functions, semen composition and clinical implications. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of testosterone synthesis, roles of Sertoli and Leydig cells, thermoregulation, sperm maturation, erection and ejaculation physiology, and relevant pharmacology and pathology. These targeted MCQs with explanations reinforce classroom learning, exam preparation and practical pharmacy applications. Keywords: male reproductive system, spermatogenesis, testosterone, accessory glands, semen analysis, pharmacology. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which cells in the testes are primarily responsible for testosterone synthesis?
- Sertoli cells
- Germ cells
- Leydig cells
- Peritubular myoid cells
Correct Answer: Leydig cells
Q2. Where does spermatogenesis occur within the testis?
- Efferent ducts
- Seminiferous tubules
- Epididymis
- Rete testis
Correct Answer: Seminiferous tubules
Q3. Which hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone?
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
- ACTH
Correct Answer: LH
Q4. What is the main role of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive system?
- Secreting testosterone into circulation
- Supporting and nourishing developing germ cells
- Transporting sperm through vas deferens
- Producing seminal fluid volume
Correct Answer: Supporting and nourishing developing germ cells
Q5. Which protein produced by Sertoli cells binds testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in seminiferous tubules?
- Albumin
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Androgen-binding protein (ABP)
- Transferrin
Correct Answer: Androgen-binding protein (ABP)
Q6. During spermatogenesis, meiosis results in gametes with which chromosome number?
- Diploid (2n)
- Haploid (n)
- Tetraploid (4n)
- Polyploid (>4n)
Correct Answer: Haploid (n)
Q7. What is the primary energy substrate provided by seminal vesicles for sperm motility?
- Lactic acid
- Fructose
- Glucose-6-phosphate
- Glycogen
Correct Answer: Fructose
Q8. Which enzyme from the prostate aids semen liquefaction by breaking down seminogelin?
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- Acid phosphatase
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Hyaluronidase
Correct Answer: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Q9. Which structure is the primary site of sperm maturation and storage?
- Efferent ductules
- Epididymis
- Vas deferens
- Seminal vesicle
Correct Answer: Epididymis
Q10. Inhibition of which enzyme class increases cGMP to promote erection?
- Cyclooxygenases
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
- Adenylate cyclases
- Monoamine oxidases
Correct Answer: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
Q11. Which hormone provides negative feedback on FSH secretion via inhibin?
- LH from Leydig cells
- Testosterone from Leydig cells
- Inhibin from Sertoli cells
- Prolactin from pituitary
Correct Answer: Inhibin from Sertoli cells
Q12. What is the normal pH of semen important for sperm function?
- Acidic (pH < 5)
- Neutral (pH 7.0)
- Slightly alkaline (pH 7.2–8.0)
- Strongly alkaline (pH > 9.0)
Correct Answer: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.2–8.0)
Q13. Which portion of sperm contains mitochondria to power motility?
- Acrosome
- Head
- Midpiece
- Principal piece of tail
Correct Answer: Midpiece
Q14. What is the role of the acrosome in fertilization?
- Provide motility
- Release enzymes to penetrate zona pellucida
- Produce testosterone
- Transport sperm to epididymis
Correct Answer: Release enzymes to penetrate zona pellucida
Q15. Which condition describes failure of testicular descent into the scrotum?
- Varicocele
- Hydrocele
- Cryptorchidism
- Orchitis
Correct Answer: Cryptorchidism
Q16. Which drug class used in prostate cancer blocks androgen receptors?
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
- GnRH agonists
- Antiandrogens (androgen receptor antagonists)
- Estrogen receptor modulators
Correct Answer: Antiandrogens (androgen receptor antagonists)
Q17. Which enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in target tissues?
- Aromatase
- 5-alpha-reductase
- 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- CYP3A4
Correct Answer: 5-alpha-reductase
Q18. Which accessory gland contributes the largest volume to ejaculate?
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral gland
- Seminal vesicles
- Testes
Correct Answer: Seminal vesicles
Q19. Which parameter is NOT part of a standard semen analysis?
- Sperm concentration
- Motility
- Serum testosterone levels
- Morphology
Correct Answer: Serum testosterone levels
Q20. Which neurotransmitter mediates penile smooth muscle relaxation leading to erection?
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
- Acetylcholine via nitric oxide (NO)
- Serotonin
Correct Answer: Acetylcholine via nitric oxide (NO)
Q21. Which of the following is a common cause of obstructive azoospermia?
- Y chromosome microdeletion
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Vasectomy
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Correct Answer: Vasectomy
Q22. Which binding protein in blood primarily carries testosterone to tissues?
- Transferrin
- Albumin
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Corticosteroid-binding globulin
Correct Answer: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
Q23. Which process in the epididymis is crucial for sperm acquiring motility and fertilizing capacity?
- Hyperplasia
- Maturation and membrane remodeling
- Meiotic division
- Testosterone synthesis
Correct Answer: Maturation and membrane remodeling
Q24. What is the principal clinical use of measuring serum PSA?
- Assess testicular testosterone production
- Screen for prostate disease, including cancer
- Evaluate epididymal function
- Diagnose varicocele
Correct Answer: Screen for prostate disease, including cancer
Q25. Which of the following reduces dihydrotestosterone formation and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia?
- Finasteride
- Sildenafil
- Leuprolide
- Flutamide
Correct Answer: Finasteride
Q26. Which condition is characterized by dilated pampiniform plexus veins and can impair spermatogenesis?
- Hydrocele
- Varicocele
- Orchitis
- Testicular torsion
Correct Answer: Varicocele
Q27. Which fetal gene on the Y chromosome triggers male sex differentiation?
- SRY (sex-determining region Y)
- SOX9
- WNT4
- SRD5A2
Correct Answer: SRY (sex-determining region Y)
Q28. What is the major plasma hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis indirectly via Sertoli cells?
- Prolactin
- FSH
- Oxytocin
- Melatonin
Correct Answer: FSH
Q29. Which test assesses male fertility by evaluating sperm DNA integrity?
- Standard semen culture
- Sperm DNA fragmentation assay
- Urine toxicology
- Prostate biopsy
Correct Answer: Sperm DNA fragmentation assay
Q30. Which therapy is used for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to stimulate spermatogenesis?
- Testosterone replacement alone
- Gonadotropin therapy (hMG and hCG)
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
- Aromatase inhibitors only
Correct Answer: Gonadotropin therapy (hMG and hCG)
Q31. Which hormonal change is expected with primary testicular failure?
- Low FSH and LH, low testosterone
- High FSH and LH, low testosterone
- High testosterone, low LH
- Normal gonadotropins, high testosterone
Correct Answer: High FSH and LH, low testosterone
Q32. What is the role of bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands?
- Produce the bulk of seminal fluid volume
- Secrete alkaline, mucus-rich pre-ejaculate for lubrication
- Synthesize testosterone
- Store sperm prior to ejaculation
Correct Answer: Secrete alkaline, mucus-rich pre-ejaculate for lubrication
Q33. Which pathology is most likely to reduce sperm motility directly?
- Obstructive epididymal cyst
- Low seminal fructose
- Impaired mitochondrial function in sperm midpiece
- Excessive seminal alkalinity
Correct Answer: Impaired mitochondrial function in sperm midpiece
Q34. Which environmental agent is known to impair male fertility by causing DNA damage in sperm?
- Vitamin C
- Heat exposure and smoking
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Folic acid supplementation
Correct Answer: Heat exposure and smoking
Q35. Which diagnostic procedure obtains tissue to evaluate spermatogenesis when azoospermia is present?
- Testicular biopsy
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Vasography
- Transrectal ultrasound
Correct Answer: Testicular biopsy
Q36. Which hormone is converted from testosterone and is more potent at androgen receptor binding in some tissues?
- Estradiol
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Androstenedione
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Correct Answer: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Q37. Which pharmacologic agent directly stimulates GnRH receptors and is used in prostate cancer therapy initially?
- Leuprolide (a GnRH agonist)
- Finasteride (5α-reductase inhibitor)
- Ketoconazole (antifungal)
- Flutamide (antiandrogen)
Correct Answer: Leuprolide (a GnRH agonist)
Q38. Which structural component of sperm contains the genetic material?
- Midpiece
- Tail
- Head (nucleus)
- Neck
Correct Answer: Head (nucleus)
Q39. Which condition results from torsion of the spermatic cord and is a surgical emergency?
- Orchitis
- Testicular torsion
- Varicocele
- Epididymitis
Correct Answer: Testicular torsion
Q40. Which element in semen is used as a marker of seminal vesicle function?
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- Fructose
- Acid phosphatase
- Prostaglandins
Correct Answer: Fructose
Q41. Which screening test evaluates for chromosomal causes of male infertility?
- Hormone assay only
- Karyotype analysis
- Semen culture
- Urine analysis
Correct Answer: Karyotype analysis
Q42. What is the effect of anabolic steroid abuse on endogenous spermatogenesis?
- Stimulates spermatogenesis
- No effect
- Suppresses gonadotropins and reduces spermatogenesis
- Only increases semen volume
Correct Answer: Suppresses gonadotropins and reduces spermatogenesis
Q43. Which seminal plasma component acts as a coagulating factor that initially forms a gel after ejaculation?
- Seminogelin
- Albumin
- Testosterone
- Prostaglandin E
Correct Answer: Seminogelin
Q44. What is the main therapeutic aim of assisted reproductive techniques like ICSI for male factor infertility?
- Bypass ovarian dysfunction
- Direct injection of a single sperm into an oocyte to overcome severe male factor
- Stimulate spermatogenesis in testes
- Remove antibodies from semen
Correct Answer: Direct injection of a single sperm into an oocyte to overcome severe male factor
Q45. Which hormone is primarily responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics in males during puberty?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Cortisol
Correct Answer: Testosterone
Q46. Which inherited defect can cause male pseudohermaphroditism due to inability to produce DHT?
- Aromatase excess syndrome
- 5-alpha-reductase deficiency
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Androgen insensitivity syndrome
Correct Answer: 5-alpha-reductase deficiency
Q47. Which clinical sign suggests obstructive pathology of the male reproductive tract affecting semen volume?
- Normal semen volume with low sperm count
- Low semen volume with absent fructose
- High semen volume with acidic pH
- High sperm concentration with low motility
Correct Answer: Low semen volume with absent fructose
Q48. Which laboratory finding supports a diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation?
- Elevated sperm in post-ejaculatory urine
- High seminal fructose
- Low urinary sperm count
- Increased semen PSA
Correct Answer: Elevated sperm in post-ejaculatory urine
Q49. Which of the following drugs can impair male fertility by causing oxidative stress to sperm?
- Antioxidant supplements
- Chemotherapeutic alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide)
- Topical emollients
- Folate supplementation
Correct Answer: Chemotherapeutic alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide)
Q50. Which endocrine pattern is typical of anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism after cessation?
- High LH and FSH with high testosterone
- Suppressed LH and FSH with low endogenous testosterone
- Elevated prolactin only
- Normal gonadotropins with high testosterone
Correct Answer: Suppressed LH and FSH with low endogenous testosterone
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